Discover Hiroshima region

The Fukushima nuclear incident bitterly echoes with the sad events of Hiroshima.
But the historical page has turned. And Hiroshima has now become an elegant city visited by thousands of tourists every year. Not only for the memorial museum and the dome of the atomic bomb but also for its castle, the beautiful Shukkei-in garden and the art museums.
 
Benefiting from a mild climate, the Hiroshima region faces the Seto inland sea and the mountainous region of Chugoku. Only 2 hours away from Kyoto by train, it is an ideal destination to get to know the heart of traditional and rural Japan

The heavenly island of Miyajima

The island of “the resting home of the gods” is an honeymooners’ favorite. It is home to many temples and offers magnificent panorama of the sea. The Itsukushima Shrine, built on stilts, is very famous for its floating red tori gate and is classified by UNESCO.   Original ideas for activities: -       Rent a canoe kayak to enjoy the scenery of Miyajima -       Wearing traditional clothes and taking pictures in an historic setting -       Climb to the summit of Mount Misen and admire Seto bay

Enter wild Japan

The Sandankyo gorges North of Hiroshima, the Sandankyo gorges are an ideal destination for people interested in outdoors activities. Along the Shibaki river you can admire spectacular waterfalls especially the 30m high Sandantaki Waterfall. Plan a day if you want to hike or half a day for a boat ride   Many hiking paths Around the gorges, terraces of tea plantations spread under the eye. The hilly region of Hiroshima offers similar views to the Japanese Alps. When in Hiroshima, ask the Tourist Office plans to discover hike paths near Akioka.   The Kagura dance festival To thank the gods of nature and obtain good harvests, the Japanese have developed ritual dances. To attend a show, go to Kagura Mozena Tojimura in the city of Akitaka-shi. The city, located in the northern part of the region, is 40 minutes away from Hiroshima by bus.

The charming port town of Tomonoura

Former thriving port city, Tonomoura is home to the architectural gems of Edo period. The city has maintained beautifully its traditions, its rural elements and atmosphere of maritime merchants.  Original ideas for your trip: -       Staying on Sensui island and enjoying the beaches as well as the hiking trails -       Strolling down the streets and stopping to taste sea bream sashimi -       Attending the Taiama festival in May and discovering traditional fishing

Cross the Shimanami Kaido by bike

The Shimanami Kaido is an 80km long road linking the main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku. The trail offers splendid views of the Seto Inland Sea and of the surrounding islands. Make the most of the trip and visit the Hirayama museum and the temple of Kosanji. You can rent a bike for a day or two and then drop it at one of the numerous rental spots available along the bike path.   Starting point of the circuit Located two hours away from Kyoto by Shinkansen and one hour from Hiroshima, the city of Onomichi-shi is easily accessible by Shinkansen. Before starting your expedition, visit the traditional neighborhoods and try the culinary specialty of the region : Onomichi ramen.